Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
Bartlet begins his reelection campaign after disclosing that he has multiple sclerosis, but the admission brings subpoenas, a special prosecutor and a congressional inquiry into the administration’s earlier concealment. The staff argues over whether he should apologize, how to answer investigators and how to keep governing while the inquiry threatens colleagues and the First Lady’s medical license. Bartlet and Leo McGarry remain divided over the political and moral costs of the disclosure, while Josh, Toby, Sam and C.J. try to shape a campaign that can survive both legal scrutiny and public anger. The season also moves through fights over taxes, gun policy, foreign aid and the competing demands of crisis response.
The campaign’s foreign-policy choices become more dangerous as the White House confronts terrorism, war and threats involving Qumar. Abdul Shareef, Qumar’s defense minister, is suspected of directing attacks against Americans, and Bartlet is pressed to approve a covert strike rather than risk the consequences of waiting for a trial. In the finale, Leo lays out the costs and asks for a decision; Bartlet finally orders the operation. The parallel scenes then show the strike team killing Shareef and his bodyguards on a remote landing strip while the President watches a play. Leo gives Bartlet confirmation by phone, ending the season on the completed assassination and the moral burden it leaves with the President. C.J. also loses Secret Service bodyguard Simon Donovan, with whom she has developed a romantic connection, when he is killed during an armed robbery.